fbpx
Skip to main content

Author: Kelly Schoonbeck

Neil J. Emanatian

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Neil J. Emanatian passed away on August 20, 2024. Neil spent his entire adult life in service to others.  Relatives and friends were invited to a burial with military honors on August 26 at the Saratoga National Cemetery. For online condolences please visit: www.burkefuneralhome.com

Week of July 5 – 11

Saratoga County Court 

Daniel H. Gudar, 47, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to criminal mischief in the third-degree, a felony, charged December 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Aug. 13. 

Ashley Vetrano, 35, of Glens Falls, was sentenced to 364 days incarceration, after pleading to robbery in the third-degree, charged March 2023 in Moreau. 

Dean J. Atwell, 35, of Middle Grove, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to grand larceny in the third-degree, charged Jan. 1, 2024 in Galway. 

Bo J. Effner, 41, of Rotterdam, was sentenced to 5 days incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged October 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Alicia L. Marcotte, 35, of Hadley, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to DWAI, charged July 2023 in Corinth. 

Christopher DiLallo, 40, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 364 days incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged March 2023 in Wilton. 

John A. Donaldson, 69, of Lackawanna, N.Y., pleaded to sexual abuse in the first-degree, a felony, charged in Milton. Sentencing Aug. 12. 

Christopher L. Crispell, 42, of Waterford, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged July 2023 in Stillwater. 

New York  State Police

New York State Police, with the assistance of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (South Carolina) and the United State Marshal Service, took custody of Siatar K Creech, 36.  Creech was arrested by State Police on Sept. 12, 2022, on a warrant for Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, a class “C” felony, Rape in the Third Degree, a class “E” felony and Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a class “E” felony.  He was arraigned the same day at the Ballston Spa Village Court, where he was released on his own recognizance. 

Creech failed to appear in court for the necessary proceedings, and on Oct. 11, 2023, the Saratoga County Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.  The investigation determined Creech had allegedly fled New York and was residing in South Carolina.   In a joint agency effort, Creech was located in North Augusta, SC and on May 28, 2024, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody.

Creech was extradited and returned to New York by New York State Police Investigators on June 11, 2024, and turned over to the custody of the Saratoga County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a sexual assault call that reportedly occurred on Lilith Fair in the town of Milton. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest of Anthony J. Collins, 42, of Ballston Spa. Collins was charged with rape in the 1st degree (class B felony) and assault in the 3rd degree (class A misdemeanor). Collins was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail without bail pending further action in the matter.

The Sheriff’s Office arrested Damian B. Ball, 27, of Corinth on an arrest warrant issued by the Wilton Town Court for burglary in the 3rd degree (class D felony) and petit larceny (class A misdemeanor. Ball is accused of stealing from Walmart in the town of Wilton on Sept. 28, 2023 after previously being banned from the business’ property. He was arraigned in the Wilton Town Court and released on his own recognizance pending further action in the matter.

Public Event May 29 to Celebrate New Exhibits, Extensive Upgrades to Battlefield Tour Road

STILLWATER — One of the most historic landscapes in the country has recently seen the completion of the $6 million Battlefield Tour Road Improvement Project.

The large-scale construction project in Saratoga National Historical Park, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, focused on making upgrades and increasing accessibility of parking areas, trailheads, walkways, seating, signage, exhibits and viewing areas along the popular 10-mile-long route.

A celebration to mark the project’s completion will take place at Tour Stop 2 (Neilson’s Farm) at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29. 

The public is invited to join partners, people and stakeholders who made this project possible. The ceremony will be followed by opportunities to explore the battlefield and speak with park staff at Tour Stop 2, Tour Stop 6 (Freeman’s Farm) and Tour Stop 10 (Return to Saratoga).

 As the country approaches the upcoming 250th anniversary commemorations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and of the Battles of Saratoga in 2027, the improvements will provide visitors with a better understanding of the battles and their vital role in securing American independence. Prior to the project, the Tour Road and its 10 tour stops, which are the primary way that most people visit the historic battlefield grounds, had been largely unchanged for nearly 50 years. 

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Hosts 11th Annual Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation hosts its popular Pints for Preservation Pub Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The event starts at 3 p.m. at Druthers Brewing Company, 381 Broadway, and features stops at bars located in historic buildings throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. All proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

The Pub Crawl kicks-off at Druthers, and continues on to Whitman Brewing Co., Tin & Lint, The Misfit, and ends at Saratoga City Tavern. 

Pub Crawl participants will enjoy drink specials at each of these establishments. People can take part in an Architectural Scavenger Hunt to win a “Major Award.” Raffle tickets will also be available to win several prizes from local businesses. The crawl will culminate with an after party including light fare at Saratoga City Tavern where winners will be announced. 

Tickets are $35 for an individual, $60 for a couple, and $120 for a group of four. All participants will receive a complimentary Pub Crawl t-shirt and pint glass with purchase of tickets, while supplies last. The online registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Participants may also register the day-of the Pub Crawl at Druthers starting at 2:30 p.m.  For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogapreservation.org/calendar/pints-for-preservation or call 518-587-5030. 

SSCSD Accepting Hall of Distinction Nominations Until Jan. 31

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District is seeking community input on candidates for the eighth annual Hall of Distinction. The Saratoga Springs City School District Hall of Distinction provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the graduates of the school district.

The program was designed to instill in students the concepts of achievement and excellence, with the Hall of Distinction Inductees serving as exceptional role models. Their personal accomplishments, either to their individual fields of endeavor or to the broader community, exemplify what SSCSD students may attain through initiative and commitment. 

Potential candidates must have graduated from Saratoga Springs High School at least ten years ago and must exemplify our District’s educational philosophy through an outstanding social contribution to the broader community by making a difference in the lives of others; and/or outstanding professional contribution to, or achievement in, their field of endeavor.

A committee composed of community members, former and current high school administrators, and former and current high school teachers will review the nominations and select the honorees. Individuals will be recognized in the spring at Saratoga Springs High School. The exact date and time have not been determined yet.

Nominations are accepted through the online Hall of Distinction Form, available on the district’s website. All recommendation/application forms must be submitted by Jan. 31. 

Schuylerville’s Koval Receives All-State Soccer Honors

Schuylerville varsity girls soccer players Alayna Wian and Macey Koval. Photo provided by Schuylerville Central School District.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School senior and girls soccer player Macey Koval has been selected to the 2022 New York State Sportswriters & Coaches Organization for Girls Sports All-State 5th Team.

“Macey has been a tremendous player for our program throughout her high school tenure,” said girls varsity soccer coach Paul Rogan. “She is a fierce competitor, great leader and even better person.  Macey has been our leading goal scorer for the last three years, tallying 17 goals this past fall season.  She is also a clutch competitor, having clinically scored some of the biggest goals in program history.  Macey’s play has not only been good, but it has been great.  She will be missed.”

In addition, Koval and teammate Alayna Wian were named to the Section 2 Class B Girls Soccer All-Star Team for 2022.

Cindi L. Cardella 

GANSEVOORT — Cindi L. Cardella of Gansvoort peacefully passed away on Nov. 13, 2022. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at the Gansevoort Firehouse, 1870 State Route 32N, Gansevoort on Friday Nov. 25, 2022 at Noon. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com